Security forces also killed at least 6 militants and injured 3 more during an intelligence-based operation in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, security officials say

ISLAMABAD

A suicide bombing killed at least seven security personnel, while troops prevented terrorists from entering a main military base in the ensuing gunfight, killing four militants in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border on Friday, officials said.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the forces foiled the attack, and "four terrorists were sent to hell" in North Waziristan, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan.

An explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the main entrance of security headquarters in Khadi village of North Waziristan, a local official told Anadolu, confirming it was a suicide attack.

According to the official, the explosion was followed by intense gunfire as militants attempted to enter the installation. The security forces, however, foiled their attempt and killed several militants, and the operation still continues in the area.

The attack killed at least seven security personnel and injured 21 others, six of whom were civilians, according to Pakistani security officials.

The latest attack came just a day after the Pakistan army said 34 militants were killed during operations in the North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Separately, a powerful explosion was also reported in the Bajaur district of the province. According to local police, an explosive-laden vehicle parked on the road detonated in the Mamund Tangi Shah area. Casualties were not reported.

Meanwhile, security forces also killed at least six militants and injured three more during an intelligence-based operation in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, security officials said on Friday.